As their continued drive to assist their local communities and those in need during these unprecedented times, Buckinghamshire Freemasons contacted the foodbanks which serve the Slough, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes areas to ascertain which food stuffs are in the greatest demand for Buckinghamshire families and individuals who are facing financial pressures.
To supply this demand, Phil Blacklaw enlisted the help of the Bletchley Masonic Centre, Rob Pulford and Annette Buckler, with a view to supplying each of the foodbanks with a substantial amount much needed non-perishable groceries.
The groceries were purchased by # directly from the wholesaler and delivered to the Bletchley Masonic Centre where they were decanted into stillages ready to be transported to each of the foodbanks. The groceries were packaged in in accordance with cross infection control procedures and sealed with Stay Safe Labels donated by XPress Labels Ltd. The stillages were then collected by Mark Palmer and Graham Dearing in transport generously donated by Moonlight Productions and delivered to each of the foodbanks. Each foodbank was delighted to receive their delivery and expressed their thanks and appreciation on behalf of local residents.
Steven Smith of Slough Foodbank wrote “We really appreciate all the support that you have given us on this occasion and over the years. Please do pass on our thanks to all of your members for expressing their support and consideration for the most vulnerable in society at this very difficult time.”
Dave Worrall of Chiltern Foodbank praised the donation saying ‘I am writing to thank you and your colleagues in Buckinghamshire Freemasons for the very generous food donation of 534.5 kilos to Chiltern Foodbank last week. This gift will allow us to feed 76 people for three days and is really appreciated at this time of crisis.’
Buckinghamshire Freemasonry in the Community plans to continue to support local community initiatives during this challenging time and to do what they can to assist those who are experiencing unexpected hardships.
XPress Labels have kindly agreed to donate Stay Safe food and tamper evident labels to any food outlet or charity that is assisting with supplying food to Key Workers. Visit shop.xpresslabels.com for more details.